‘When speech is trifled, art speaks’

A two-month-long exhibition, organised by Bangladeshi artist, researcher, and curator Dipa Mahbuba Yasmin will be held at Birmingham's capital of culture, the Midlands Arts Center - also known as MAC, from February 5 to April 4.

In 2018, Bangladeshi citizen Dipa received the Research & Development Award by Transforming Narratives, Birmingham for her ongoing research on some of the most neglected art & cultural forms in Bangladesh. She also received funding from the Arts Council of England to transform her research into visual arts.

The exhibition deals with art forms that evolved over the centuries and encompass the sexual diversity of several social and cultural groups of Bangladesh.

Different discourses of art, ranging from folk to modern forms will be on display alongside elements that have been an integral part of Bangladeshi culture, combining the influences of Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity.

The ideas are expressed in various forms including art craft; music-dance-drama and folklore. Themes explore gender identities, including asexuality and sexual diversity through art, film, and craft.

Although many of the artists are not formally trained in the field of fine arts, their art has, nonetheless, acquired a unique and powerful visual language. It also serves as a means to strong, collective activism.

Through their work, the artists express themselves and their surroundings, addressing different views of gender politics.

The MAC will present the exhibition in partnership with the Art Council of England and Transforming Narratives as part of the Birmingham 2022 Festival for the Commonwealth Games.